Preparation of n-vinyllactams

摘要

N-Vinyllactams of the general formula I <IMAGE> (I) where n is from 1 to 3, are prepared by a process which comprises reaction of a lactam of the general formula II <IMAGE> (II) where n is from 1 to 3, with from 10 to 90 percent by weight of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution with distillation at from 50 DEG to 250 DEG C. and from 1 to 100 mbar and with a residence time of from 0.1 to 5 hours and subsequent reaction with acetylene at from 60 DEG to 250 DEG C. and from 1 to 100 bar.